Murder trial begins against suspect who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend 43 times

By McKenna Yoder
– 25 September 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Murders | Stabbings | Victims |

On September 25, Baltimore District Court Judge Hope Tipton began preparations for a jury trial of a man accused of murdering his girlfriend last year.

Kenneth Craig, 60, is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a deadly weapon with intent to injure for the April 18, 2023, killing.

Prosecutors described the crime scene as very bloody, as the body of 36-year-old Shakita Thomas, Craig's girlfriend at the time, was found in the 500 block of East Jeffrey Street with 43 stab wounds to her face, neck, cheeks, head and back.

The prosecution further stated that Craig's blood was likely found at the crime scene and that a person matching his description was observed in his van nearby.

Defense attorney Natalie Finegar said the witnesses' description did not match Craig. Finegar also claimed that Thomas' family was biased against Craig in an attempt to make an identification.

The evidence that Craig's blood was found was circumstantial, she argued, because it was “easy to get DNA.” Finegar also said investigators “had already formed an opinion about Craig and were trying to pressure him into confessing.”

Testimony will continue on Thursday